IT'S just two years old, likes to be playful and it craves attention wherever you go.
We're not talking about a petulant puppy or a stroppy toddler, we're talking about a 26 grand rocket on wheels.
It is hard to believe that the now iconic Crossfire was only a daring concept in 2001. By 2003 engineers had brought the car into production.
Those who get in, get near, or follow the Crossfire have an opinion - usually positive, although not exclusively.
The looks are hard not to like - oozing pure power, with a distinctly American muscular edge. It has a menacing front grille set off with the familiar Chrysler winged badge.
The elongated bonnet stretches forever, the deep ridges raking up the front and it features a distinctive rear hipline. Also prominent are the twin centrally located sports chrome exhausts.
It really looks as good as it sounds but there is clearly no need to adorn the car with flashy chrome badges - which Chrysler says was deliberately avoided.
Even the spoiler is neatly tucked away and only pops up at 62mph to provide extra downforce and dipping back inside when you slow back down to 40.
Handling, body control and grip is simply superb. A rigid body and two huge sets of tyres - 18 inch at the front and 19 inch on the back - stick the Crossfire to the road like glue.
The sheer power does cause the odd twitch - even with the anti-skid control engaged - but that is part of the fun.
The 215bhp V6 engine offers instant acceleration and powers the Crossfire from a standing start to 62mph in just 6.5 seconds, with an electronically limited top speed of 155mph.
It comfortably cruises along on the motorway and passes the test on through bends with the seamless five-speed automatic transmission effortlessly coping with all demands.
It may be a two-seat roadster, but the ride is surprisingly comfortable and the throaty roar of the V6 engine is kept outside the car, thanks to plenty of insulation.
There is decent head, shoulder and leg room and - unlike the cabriolet version of the Crossfire which has to fold its roof into the boot - there is decent room for, at least, two good sized bags.
Vision is limited and almost non-existent out of the back with thick rear pillars and a tiny window. But the decent driving position and eight way adjustable heated leather seats, compensates.
Equipment levels are generous for the price and include full leather, cruise control, a superb sound system with six speakers and two subwoofers, dual zone air conditioning and a CD changer.
The centre console is dominated by a satin silver finish, and although the car is packed with kit, some of the finish does have an economy class feel.
Consumption levels are claimed to be 28mpg and safety kit includes ESP, ABS and a bake assist system which senses and reacts to emergency braking. Seatbelts come with pre-tensioners and load-limiters and there are airbags for the driver and passenger, side airbags and curtain bags.
The Crossfire is a seriously powerful, fun, and stylish head turner. And if you have a little more cash to splash - and a need for even more speed - there is a supercharged 330bhp SRT-6, which comes in at a competitive £34,340.
FAST FACTS
Chrysler Crossfire 3.2 V6 auto
Price: £26,240
Mechanical: 215bhp, 3,199cc, 6cyl petrol engine driving rear wheels via 5spd automatic gearbox
Max speed: 155mph
0-62mph: 6.5 secs
Combined mpg: 28
Insurance group: 18
CO2 emissions: 240g/km
BiK rating: 35%
Warranty: 3yrs/ unlimited mileage; 7yrs paint; 7yrs anti-rust